Superintendent

Message from the Superintendent

Wendy Kupsky

Welcome to Berwick Area School District.  

I have been honored to be the Berwick Area School District superintendent since August 2020.  I am a Berwick Area School District graduate and a residing member of our community.  I entered the educational field over 20 years ago.  I am true to the desire to help all learners be productive members of our community.  That was my focus many years ago, and today is the same.  

My goal is that our schools and programs will be a nurturing environment where learning is an inspiration for a culture that encourages academic achievement, self-discipline, personal integrity, and moral values.  

I started during the pandemic, which was a difficult time for the world.  At the time, I focused on working as a T.E.A.M.Together, Everyone, Achieves, More.  Berwick navigated this challenge as a team and supported each other.  Our students see how our community works at goals, the respect we have for each other, and the kindness we all share.

The focus for the 2023/2024 school year is to develop a culture that embraces a positive change for our learning community.  Research shows that positive relationships are key to motivating students to successful achievement and improve behaviors.  Our staff have embraced a unified effort.  We are working together to listen, be valued, build trust and celebrate achievements.  

Our scores showed improvement in the first year of our new math curriculum!  We are on the right path!  

Our teachers, staff and administration continue to rely on the parent/guardian relationship to assist in student success in the classroom.

I organized a Superintendent Advisory Council that currently involves all district employees.  We are at the next level in adding parents and community members.  Together we will work to improve our culture.

As the superintendent of the Berwick Area School District, I hope that we form a relationship that is lasting and focused on helping our students be successful. 

If you need to reach me for any reason, please do not hesitate to email me, Email Wendy Kupsky or call 570-759-6400 ext. 3520.  Stay safe and healthy.

 

Wendy Kupsky

Superintendent Goals

Goals

Progress Results

  1. To implement evidence-based strategies and initiatives to develop, support, monitor, and evaluate district curriculum, assessment systems, programs, and services to support student growth and achievement.


Actions:

Objective 1: Presentation of assessment scores and evaluation of academic performance of all students, and plans to address academic gaps identified through, but not limited to the following assessment measures: PA Standardized Assessments (Keystones/PSSA/PASA), Norm-referenced assessments (DIBELS/STAR), Curriculum-based assessments (iReady Diagnostics, CDT)


Objective 2: District will create a professional learning plan based on effective instructional practices based on best practices identified.

Objective 3: District will monitor the progress of students via regularly scheduled data meetings, with an end-of-the-year report on the analysis of overall student growth.


Conclusion:

The goal will be considered proficient if:

  1. An annual presentation of assessment scores

  2. Overall analysis and evaluation of the academic performance of all students.  

  3. A cumulative list of data meetings and the professional learning plan.






  1. Development of a student-centered vision statement

Actions:

Objective 1: Administer and analyze stakeholder surveys and focus groups to identify district-wide trends and patterns

Objective 2: Develop and implement a plan for ongoing stakeholder engagement

Objective 3: Develop a Profile of  Graduate


Conclusion:

The goal will be considered proficient if:

  1. A student-centered vision statement will be shared with the board in June 2024.

  2. An initial draft of the Profile of a Graduate will be shared by June 2024.

  1. To provide and maintain support and services to address mental health, safety, security, and behavioral needs to support the whole child

Actions:

Objective 1: Mental Health

Objective 1. A: Preventative Mental Health Services 

Objective 1. B: Mental Health professional development training of counselors. 

Objective 2: Safety and Security

Objective 2. A: Security Plan Proposal

Objective 2. B: Monthly Safety and Security Meetings

Objective 2. C: Monthly updates to Board Members

Objective 3: PBIS

Objective 3. A: Tier 1 PBIS Program


Conclusion:

The goal will be considered proficient if:

  1. Annual presentation on the district safety and security plan for the school year.

  2. Annual review of the monthly safety and security meetings, discipline committee, and threat assessment data.

  3. Implementation of preventative and educational programs related to mental health.

  4. Implementation of Tier 1 PBIS Program and Curriculum

Superintendent Evaluation 

As a result of Act 82 of 2012, formal written contracts and evaluations for superintendents and assistant superintendents are required. The required Superintendent Evaluation, for Wendy Kupsky, was conducted for the 2022-2023 school year by the Board of Directors. This evaluation also included objective performance standards mutually agreed to in writing by the Board of School Directors and the District Superintendent. The final outcome is derived from all individual responses and generated as an average of the responses. The final outcome found that Wendy Kupsky was proficient. 

Respectfully submitted,

Rachel Gregory 
Board Secretary